Russian world champion hits the bullseye
Published 23 December, 2007, 01:48
A total of 68 players are taking part in the World Darts Championship in London, with the winner to be crowned on New Year's Day. Although the sport is not so massive in Russia, the country has already produced a World Champion.
It has been a fruitful year for Irina Armstrong, a native of Vologda, a town some 400 kilometres north of Moscow.
After winning the Finland Open and coming third in the Dutch and German Opens, she then went on with her partner to win the ladies' pairs at the World Darts Federation World Cup in the Dutch town of Rosmalen.
Irina now lives in Germany with her British husband John and their two children. Her darts career began in 1999 under unexpected circumstances.
“My husband had a cafe in Holland at the time and I loved bowling. When I got pregnant I couldn't bowl anymore so I picked up darts. I began participating in a local league. When I became the strongest locally I decided to test my strength in international competitions,” Armstrong recalled.
Accessible to everyone
Vadim Fomichev, the President of Russian Darts Association and seven times Russian champion, runs a sports club for the disabled, where he gives darts classes.
“People with disabilities are a growing concern in Russia. Just like everyone else they want to compete in sports. Darts are very popular because they are accessible to all including those in wheelchairs. We hold several competitions throughout the year and I'm proud to say that eleven of my students have already become champions,” Fomichev told RT.
Vadim and Irina have been friends for years prior to her becoming interested in darts. Since she is a rare visitor to her native Vologda, Vadim decided to ask her to hold a class for his students and play in an exhibition tournament.
Teams from north-western Russia gathered at a bar where the stage was set for a unique opportunity to see the world champion in action.
A night out like this is a common sight in Europe – playing darts over a pint of beer. Irina believes the sport could gain momentum throughout Russia.
“What we need are sponsors that will help the players cover expenses. Darts is mostly a mind game. The players shouldn't be thinking about the costs,” Armstrong insisted.
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